It seems that almost since the PlayStation 5 was revealed, people have been thinking of ways to change its stark white appearance. A few faceplate shops popped up almost immediately but soon disappeared after threats of legal action from Sony. Some of the PS5 faceplate customization stores have returned, and there are also a variety of vinyl decals available to change the console’s look. Even though some gamers have moved on to the PS5, many still use their PlayStation 4 consoles, keeping the customization market for that device alive as well.
Although changing the appearance of Sony’s latest console is as simple as swapping out the PS5’s faceplates, customizing the PS4 without the use of vinyl stickers takes a bit more patience. The original PS4 has one faceplate that can easily be taken off to facilitate upgrading the console’s hard drive, but a T9 security screwdriver and a little bravery is required to remove the other two panels of the PS4.
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Recently on Reddit, a user called JohnnyUtahBrah posted an image of their original PS4 console customized with a wooden case. While many of the commenters seemed to assume that the console’s new look is simply a vinyl sticker, JohnnyUtahBrah insisted that it is actually a wooden veneer cover, which would have required removing the PS4’s original panels and replacing them. Perhaps jokingly, other readers expressed concern that the panels might eventually catch on fire if they are real wood.
JohnyUtahBrah shared a link to the storefront where they purchased the customized PS4 panels, a site called Toast that sells covers for a range of devices. These panels are made out of sustainably harvested real wood and measure an average of 0.7 millimeters thick. The site emphasizes that the covers are not intended to be a temporary snap-on modification; they attach using 3M adhesive and are semi-permanent. These wood panels are available for various consoles, including both versions of the PS5, the Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Unlike the PlayStation 5, which so far has only been made available with a black body and white faceplates, the PS4 came in a range of colors and designs, thanks to limited edition consoles that could be purchased over the years. Sony released a commemorative 500 Million Edition PS4 Pro console with a transparent blue shell, as well as special editions to accompany the launch of high-profile games like The Last of Us 2, 2018’s God of War, and Kingdom Hearts 3.
As for eventual customization options for the PS5, it’s possible that Sony may release limited edition faceplates and DualSense controllers in the future. But until then, players intent on personalizing their new console will have to turn to third-party vendors for decals or faceplates.
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Source: JohnyUtahBrah Reddit Toastmade
